GIS MODELLING FOR SITING RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Abstract

The selection and development of a residential site is one of the major problems in city planning. The technical feasibility and economic criteria should be considered when estimating such projects. Since the site selection may have far reaching effects on the success or failure of a town, all pertinent criteria must be weighed and be distinguished as either long lasting or ephemeral. It is for this reason that site selection assumes such critical importance. Planning tasks at present are carried out by manual methods where analytical capabilities are limited. Therefore, there is a need for reliable data as well as comprehensive database pertaining to the physical factors and good analytical tools for efficient and time bound planning. GIS techniques having capabilities of data storage, retrieval, and manipulation play an important role in evolving suitable methods of arriving at alternate site for residential area development. In the present study, an attempt is made to develop a model for selecting suitable residential areas around Moradabad town. PC based ARC/INFO a GIS software has been used for carrying out the various steps in selecting the suitable residential areas. Residential areas, which are proximity to important facilities of the town, away from industrial zones and free from flood hazards, have been determined. Suitability of siting residential area on eastern bank of river Ramganga, near Katghar raiway bridge has also been assessed.